Vietnam: What are the regulations on COVID-19 tests for seafarers engaged in maritime transport during the pandemic?

Under Clause 2.2 Subsection 2 Section III Interim guidance on transport activities in five sectors (roadway, inland waterway, maritime, railway, airway) for a safe and flexible adaption to and effective control of COVID-19 in Vietnam (Issued together with Decision 1812/QD-BGTVT of 2021):

2.2. Medical tests for seafarers engaged in maritime transport in Vietnam

a) Test any person who develops symptoms such as a fever, cough, fatigue, sore throat, loss of smell or taste, shortness of breath, etc.; have health authorities perform random screening and regular tests;

b) Carry out random tests of those who have high infection risks as planned by their Covid control plan;

c) With every level of risks, only test a seafarer in any of the following circumstances:

- It is suspected that he/she comes from or he/she involves an epidemic investigation from a level 3 area;

- He/she comes from a level-4 area or an area with medical isolation (lockdown); if that person only travels inside that area, no test is required;

- It is suspected that he/she comes from or he/she involves an epidemic investigation from a pandemic-hit area abroad;

d) A fully vaccinated person or a recovered Covid-19 person is only ordered to be tested if:

- There is a request for epidemic investigation;

- He/she comes from a level-4 area or an area with medical isolation (lockdown);

- It is suspected that he/she comes from or he/she involves an epidemic investigation from a pandemic-hit area abroad;

dd) The test for SARS-CoV-2 will be carried out using RT-PCR or rapid antigen test and be valid for 72 hours (from the time the result is received).

Respectfully!